Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justice wins prestigious women lawyers achievement award

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justice Sabrina S. McKenna has been awarded the 2023 Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement award. 

The award, presented by the American Bar Association’s commission on women in the profession, recognizes five lawyers who have achieved professional excellence and paved the way for other women in the legal profession. 

McKenna was nominated by the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association for being a “globally recognized trailblazer” and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.

She believes that her life experiences have taught her to bring sensitivity and compassion to the court, especially for those who may not have been born into a life of privilege.

Upon receiving the award, McKenna expressed her gratitude and acknowledged her upbringing as a biracial, bilingual, bicultural Asian American, lesbian immigrant woman raised by a single mother. 

Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald expressed his pride and joy for McKenna’s recognition, stating that the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary is “absolutely overjoyed” for her. 

The award ceremony will be held on Aug. 6 in Denver, Colo., where McKenna will be honored alongside four other distinguished women lawyers. 

Previous Hawaiʻi recipients of the Margaret Brent award include the late Rep. Patsy Takemoto Mink, Ellen Godbey Carson and U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono.